Serum lipids among diabetics during pregnancy and postpartum

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy are known to increase scrum lipids independently. OBJECTIVE: To determine lipid concentrations of pregnant and post partum diabetics. METHOD: Consecutive consenting age matched pregnant diabetics in the second trimester (T2), third trimester (T3) and post partum (PP) were recruited for assessment of fasting cholesterol (C) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations. RESULTS: Age T2 33.8 ñ 0.7, T3 33.3 ñ 0.8 and PP 33.3 ñ 0.6 (p = 0.5). POA in T2 was 22 ñ 0.6 and in T3 was 32.7 ñ 0.4 and PP were followed up at a mean 41.2 ñ 1.6 weeks post delivery. Established diabetes among T2 18/45 (40 percent), T3 13/44 (29.5 percent) and PP 42 /70 (60 percent). Total cholesterol among T2 222.5 ñ 7.9; T3 246.8 ñ 8.8 and PP 193.3 ñ4.5 mg/dl. T2 vs. T3 (p = 0.04); T3 vs. PP (p = 0.001) Triglycerides among T2 168.7 ñ 8.8; T3 230.0 ñ 14.7 and PP 106.3 ñ 5.7 mg/dl. T2 vs. T3 (p = 0.001); T3 vs. PP (p = 0.0001) CONCLUSIONS: Serum lipids increases significantly from second trimester to third trimester among diabetics, but becomes normal post partum. We conclude that pregnancy among diabetics does not carry an additional risk on their serum lipids. FUNDING: Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland and Special Trustees, General Infirmary at Leeds UK.